Clue that Dumbledore and Harry had a previous relationship...

[cerebella316]

No: HPFGUIDX 94911

Siriusly Snapey Susan:

I always thought this remark simply meant that--because he has let 
Harry down, because he has failed in some ways, and because Harry 
is so angry with him--DD is wondering if their close relationship 
might be *over*.  Comments?


Then Steffy07:
 
OOTP was my favorite book of the series for many reasons, it was 
dark, amusing, surprising and touching.  I am a huge, HUGE, Lupin 
and Sirius fan and was devasted at Sirius' death.  But, the part of 
the book that affected me the most was when DD is talking to Harry, 
and Harry is expressing so much rage and frustration.  I thought 
that DD was scared that maybe Harry wouldn't forgive him.  I don't 
have my copy of OOTP in front of me, but I seem to recall him crying 
(or getting teary-eyed) when he said why he didn't make Harry 
prefect?  Dumbledore loves Harry, and he has seen Harry suffer so 
much, I think that he is worried that maybe their relationsihp might 
suffer.
 
With that being said, however, I always took that particular quote 
to mean that LV could never know how much of a role DD had played in 
shaping Harry's life while Harry was at Hogwarts.  That he didn't 
need to know how close they were even back in the SS/COS years.


Now Bella:

I have to say that this was one of the most emotional HP scenes for 
me. It really shows how much Harry hurts and how much Dumbledore 
cares. It shows DD like a father who tried to do what was best for 
Harry (and Sirius), but in fact chose to do what was worst! Happens 
all the time in real life!

And, personally, I think what DD meant with his remark about 
Voldemort realizing their relationship is that DD was afraid 
Voldemort would realize that Dumbledore loves Harry and use that to 
his advantage (like he did when he possessed Harry and goaded 
Dumbledore to kill him in Harry's body and Dumbledore couldn't do 
it!) Knowing that DD loves HP could be a powerful weapon for LV. 
(Heehee--all the abbrevations sound funny to read!)

Also, I find it interesting that he alludes to a relationship with 
Harry that Harry really hasn't come to realize and count on. Harry 
*does not* turn to DD for support. He likes being "Dumbledore's 
favorite boy," and he never wants DD to think him weak or scared or 
crazy. So he actually often shies away from turning to DD for help. 

But I think Harry will now. I think the conversation that DD was 
afraid would end their *relationship* will actually make it 
stronger. (Or at least I hope it does!)

~Bella, who hopes beyond hope that Harry finally becomes comfortable 
in turning to DD for support, now that Sirius is gone. If not DD, 
then Lupin, or Mrs. Figg, or--God!--even Snape! Just someone!! Or 
all of them! He's really going to need as much support as he can get!